Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.

Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior) is a herb up to 5 meters tall of the Zingiberaceae family, originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern Thailand. Its pink flower is a distinctive seasoning in Nusantara cooking as well as an ornamental plant. Traditionally, its fruit is used to treat ear pain while its leaves are used to clean wounds.

Generally grows in the lowlands of wet tropical regions and can be found at elevations up to 2,700 m above sea level. Prefers moist, well-drained soil with rainfall of 2,355 mm/year, temperature 19.8-26.2 °C.

• Rhizome thick, cream-pink color when still young.
• Stem round pseudostem, large at the base, forms clumps.
• Leaves 15-30 blades arranged in two rows, alternating, oblong shape with wavy edges, short tapering tip, glossy green.
• Flowers top-shaped, long-stalked, oblong bract, pink.
• Fruit packed in a nearly round head, finely and shortly hairy, red in color.
• Seeds numerous, blackish-brown in color covered with a seed coat (aril).

Propagated generatively (by seed), and vegetatively (rhizome or offshoot separation). Seeds are obtained from ripe fruit marked by fruit that begins to wilt.

Saponins, flavonoids (kaempferol and quercetin), polyphenols, essential oils, anthraquinone, tannins, chlorogenic acid, caffeoylquinic acids.

Antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, addresses body odor and various skin problems, boosts breast milk production, appetite booster, prevents and treats anemia, treats ear pain, cleans wounds.

• Select fresh kecombrang flowers or leaves then wash thoroughly with running water.
• Cut the material into small pieces then air-dry until evenly dry.
• Once dry, grind the material into powder form.
• Pack in an airtight plastic bag.

Kincung (Medan), Bunga rias (North Tapanuli), Asam cekala (Karo Land), Kumbang sekala (Lampung), Sambuang (Minangkabau), Kecicang (Bali), Honje (Sunda).